Voyager shuttered slightly, against the sudden thrust that propelled it silently through space. The portal opened before them, its eerie spectrum, luminescent against the dark enfolding space.

"Report" Janeway barked

"Shield are holding at 99.9 percent" Sevens eyes gleamed, as she lifted her head from her panel and gazed proudly into her wife's eyes.

"Ten seconds to our mark. All systems functional and holding" Tuvok continued to scan his terminal quizzically.

"Get ready to disengage slipstream, on my mark. Harry count it down"

"Counting down, five, four, three, two one"

"Disengage slipstream"

"Slipstream disengaged" Harry's voice rose an octave higher

"Mr. Paris, bring us about"

"Bringing us about, captain"

The entire bridge sucked in a collective breath, as the large silvery elegant form of the USS Enterprise came into full view. Her majestic form caused a lump to settle in Kathryn's throat, as she sighed inwardly and blinked away the sting that formed in her eyes.

"Were being hailed Captain" Harry's voice cut into her thoughts with glee. The exuberant shouts from the Voyager crew echoed through the hull.

"On screen, Mr. Kim"

The imposing figure of Admiral Picard appeared on the viewport, his larger than life presence filled the room with awe. He stared at the smaller figure in front of him, an evident expression of respect flashed quickly through his eyes.

"Captain Janeway"

"Admiral"

Kathryn nodded her head elegantly, her back stiffened against the chair, as she stood and walked to the front of the viewport. Her small frame grew larger than life, as she stood to full attention her formidable presence filled the expanse of the bridge, each crewmember took their cue, as they stood to immediate attention.

"It's good to see you again. May I commend you and your crew on a brilliant job well done" his tone inflected his sincerity, as he quickly scanned the bridge of Voyager, his eyes settling on the figure of Seven.

"Thank you Admiral, we couldn't have done it with the expertise of my Astrometrics officer, Seven" Janeway added demurely, her immediate protectiveness of Seven surfaced, her intent not going unnoticed by Picard.

"So I understand Captain, I look forward to speaking with her at length. Be ready to be boarded" his eyes unreadable, as Kathryn scrutinized his intensely.

"Aye Admiral understood"

Janeway was pleased with the outcome, the home court advantage worked greatly in her favor. The comm link ended abruptly, as Kathryn nodded to Tuvok and crossed the span of the Bridge. The Vulcan waited patiently and took a position behind Seven, as they headed towards transporter bay two.

B'Elanna and Ensign Gaines joined the trio, as the Vulcan and the Klingon flanked Seven protectively. A subtly not going unnoticed by the young woman, as she derived comfort in their presence.

Conflicting emotions ran rapidly through her thought process, the excitement of meeting Locutus for the first time, conflicted with the level of fear for both herself and her unborn child.

Admiral Picard was once assimilated and his uniqueness added to the Borg collective. His rebellion and victory over the Borg queen well instilled into her edict memory.

The whining sound of the transported beam filled the room, the four prominent figures appeared on the pad before them. They're larger than life reputations well known to the crew of Voyager. Admiral Picard stepped of the pad, followed by Captain Riker, Commander Worf and Ambassador Spock.

Tuvok raised his left eyebrow and exchanged a silent look with Janeway. She squared her shoulders and straightened, her chin jutted out in defiance, her posture assumed its full command mode, as she prepared herself for the reunion.

"Admiral Picard, Captain Riker, Commander Worf and Ambassador Spock, welcome to Voyager. May I present my senior staff"

Janeway swept her hand elegantly, her own crew straightened tighter to attention. "Lt. Commander Tuvok my Chief of Security, my Chief Engineer Lt. B'Elanna Torres and my Astrometrics officer Seven of Nine"

"I believe you already know Captain Riker and Commander Worf, this is Ambassador Spock, I'm sure you're aware of his reputation, he's here representing the Federations interest.

"Of course I do, Captain, Commander" she bowed her head elegantly to them, and turned on her best diplomatic smile into high gear as she turned her attention to the legendary Vulcan.

"Ambassador it's an honor to meet you. It has always been a life long dream of mine to make your acquaintance, welcome on board"

"The honor, is all mine Captain Janeway I assure you. May you live long and Prosper" his powerful hand rose as he formed the Vulcan greeting"

Janeways postured straighten, as she held her elegant hand in front of his and returned the gesture in kind "Live long and prosper, Ambassador"

Picards noble features flexed slightly, as he and the rest of the members of his team introduced themselves; the two Vulcans shared momentary exchange knowledge.

"I understand you have yet to achieve a resolution for your first officer, is that correct Captain?" more of a statement then a question, coming from Picard.

"It is, but our EMH has been working diligently on it" a sudden sense of foreboding crawled into her skin.

"I want you to have your EMH transfer his medical files to Dr. Crusher and arrange for his transfer to the Enterprise immediately"

It was not much what Picard said, but what he left unsaid that caused Kathryn to raise her guard immediately. Her right fingers touched the side of her temple, as Tuvok read the signal and began to enact the Captains plan.

"As you wish Admiral, I'll make sure the doctor transfers all of the medical data immediately"

The group continued their journey towards the conference room, where the debriefing process would begin. Kathryn's voice revealed little of her internal concerns. Commander Worf and Captain Riker, found it difficult to gain access to the young Borg, the Klingon and the Vulcan, flanked her protectively, as the Ambassador watched the unfolding event with a keen eye.

"See that you do Captain" Kathryn stiffened, the force of the order caused her a momentary lapse, it had been so long since she was required to adhere to orders. She found the command voice rather offensive, as she swallowed deeply in disgust.

She tapped her comm badge instinctively and relayed the Admirals request to the doctor, then quickly added that he join them. Her mind processed her options, as the events unfolded rapidly, they reached the outer door of the room and she immediately assumed her position at the head of the table.

Immediately assuming control, Seven was ushered by Tuvok and B'Elanna and forced to sit closer to Kathryn, as she found herself guided by B'Elannas body, to the chair normally reserved for Chakotay. B'Elanna and Tuvok immediately seated themselves directly in front of her and next to her.

The doctor entered and immediately sat, as the debriefing session started, Picard took control of the meeting and began the debriefing with an aura of command.

"Captain, we've read your reports regarding the encounter with the Omega entity. As you are well aware, the Omega molecule is of a great concern to Starfleet. I don't believe, I need to remind you of the Omega directive and Starfleets order to destroy any Omega molecule we encounter"

Kathryn quickly bit down on her rising anger, the Admirals reminder to her of the Omega directive not sitting well with the formidable Captain.

"No Admiral you don't, however, I would like to point out the Omega directive was issued under the assumption it was a manmade molecule of pure energy. I assure that is and probably, has never been the case, the fact of the matter is, the entities we encountered were intelligent life forms. I would like to point out, Starfleets directive 2341.2 in making first contact with a new life form"

Picard raised his eyebrow in response, the bite to Janeways tone, cut through the air, as the tension in the room rose to a higher level. Inwardly he was impressed by the small woman's audacity and tenacity and regretted deeply, the orders he was forced to follow.

"That maybe so, but in this case the first contact directive does not apply. The Omega signature is a considerable threat and if it reaches the Borg, there is no telling what the threat to life as we know it is. Your Astrometrics officer, is to be beamed to the Enterprise immediately, were she will be examined by a team of scientist for any residual affect, of her encounter with the Omega entity"

His voice turned dangerously low, the reputation and reports he studied regarding Janeways past five years in the Delta quadrant, made it clear Janeway operated outside of the normal mainstream of Starfleet regulations. Under different circumstances, he would have commended her on her tenacity and formidable leadership qualities, for bringing her crew safely home under such adverse conditions.

Janeways jaw flexed tightly, her eyes turned a stark steel gray, as she leveled a force ten glare at the Admiral. Her crew instinctively cringed. Commander Worf and Captain Riker watched on, with interest an obvious test of wills was about to unfold.

The full Klingon Commander was impressed by the smaller woman's tenacity, Ambassador Spock remained silent and noted the physiological changes in Captain Janeway, his interest in the event rose intently.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, as you can see for yourself my wife is expecting our first child. I have no intention of submitting, either her or our unborn child to any unnecessary testing. You have my doctor's weekly medical reports on her, since her initial encounter with the Omega entity. Your team of scientist will have to be satisfied with those findings" her eyes locked on to Picards like a wild targ to a bone.

Picard never flinched "You have no choice in this matter, this isn't a request Captain it's an order. If you don't comply, I'll be forced to remove you from duty and Commander Worf will assume command of your vessel"

"I believe your mistaken Admiral, the ships doctor can override any order given by a senior officer regardless of rank. If and when that order, is in direct violation to the operation of this ship or the safely to its crew, Starfleet mandate 327.4"

"The Captain is correct Admiral, you have no authority in this matter. It will be a serious health risk to both the mother and child" Janeway continued her steady glare, never once flinching or breaking eye contact with Picard.

Picard sighed deeply his inner voice spoke to him "Very good Captain, I believe I may have underestimated you" a rueful smile touched the side of his upper lip.

"If you don't mind doctor, as a holoprogram you are no longer the lead physician. Dr. Crusher will be performing her own examination and your program will no longer be necessary"

"I'm afraid I can't allow that to happen Admiral, the doctor was granted sentience by both myself and Starfleet. You will note his record reflects as much" Kathryns ire rose, as she came to the full defense of her crew.

"That order was rescinded by Admiral Hayes this morning. In any event, we have the full support of Starfleet and are the lead vessel in charge. So, in other words Captain, if I have not made myself clear, I am in charge of your vessel and you will comply with my orders " Picard slid a datapad across the table, Janeway refused to acknowledge its presence.

Janeway clenched her jaw; she had no personal problem with Picard in fact, she had long been a supporter and great admirer of his. However, this was her vessel and on a personal level, it was her wife he was speaking of with a clinical indifference, she was not particularly appreciative of.

"I suspected as much Admiral. So, if you will indulge me a while longer, several months ago I contacted Ambassador Spock and asked that he intercede on our behalf. The Ambassador is a diplomatic envoy and Federation representative. In this case Admiral, the Federation out rules Starfleet and the league of Federation, has granted my wife sanctuary on the planet of Vulcan" Janeway slipped her own datapad across the long conference table, which stopped conveniently in front of Picard.

"Since technically I am still in charge of my vessel, Ambassador Spock will remain onboard Voyager to ensure the mandates are followed to a letter"

The quick flash of surprise in Picard's eyes did not go unnoticed by Kathryn and the rest of the members. B'Elanna snorted audibly, as Janeway shot her a forceful glare. The Klingons disrespect, would not be tolerated under any circumstance, B'Elanna froze and muttered a quiet apology, her eyes dropped immediately to her hands on her lap.

Ambassador Spock, who remained silent throughout the entire procedure, seized the awkward moment to interject. He tilted his head to the side and looked directly at Picard, his aged face revealed little of his intent.

"Captain Janeway is correct, you will find all of the necessary documentation associated with the ruling of the high courts. I am afraid not to comply, with these order, would lead to a court martial offense leveled against the crew of Enterprise and Admiral Hayes. For the moment Admiral, Seven of Nine former human designation Annika Hansen, is a Vulcan citizen and has been accorded full rights within our laws" Spocks tone not was not meant to add further fuel to the fire, instead his Vulcan logic merely pointed out the facts.

Picard was amused at the outcome; the soft smile that touched his lips, was followed by a deep rumble that emanated from his broad chest. He shook his head modestly; a touch of relief smoothed his stern features.

"Touché Captain, I can see you've thought of everything"

Picard was inwardly glad to be relieved of the ominous duty he was assigned, it was painfully evident to him, the young former Borg posed no threat to the Alpha quadrant whatsoever.

Kathryns face softened, a smug grin touched her lips. "I can be thorough when I have to be" the tension in the room dissipated quickly, as each member took the opportunity to expel their breath.

The admiral rose and crossed the room, his hand reached out to Janeway, as he clasped it firmly. His steel grip made her grimaced inwardly, though she refused to show the evident discomfort.

"You’re a formidable opponent captain, I'll make sure to remember that in the future"

"Thank you Admiral coming from you I'll take that as a compliment"

Admiral Picard turned to Seven, when a violent rock suddenly shook Voyager, the Young Borg held firmly in the viselike grip of the powerful admiral. The red alert klaxon rung loudly the voice of Tom Pairs, ordering everyone to their battle stations

"Report" Janeway, instinctively slapped her comm badge.

The concerned voice of Tom Paris boomed over the link "The angels back Captain, the bad one, he's off our port bow and he's not a happy camper"

"I'm on my way, Janeway out"

The officers immediately exited the conference room, Voyager rocked violently, by a second strike.

"Seven I want you in engineering with B'Elanna, under no circumstances are you to report to the bridge. Tuvok, I want a security team assigned to engineering"

Janeway snapped her orders quickly, the taller men struggled vainly, to keep pace with her, her strides sharp and tight. Captain Riker immediately communicated, with his ship and found the entity leveled his attack against the Enterprise as well. The smaller vessel, obtaining the brunt of the damage caused by the unexpected attack.

They quickly exited the turbolift, as Janeway maintained her balance and a second attack rocked her vessel. Riker immediately assumed the aft station, normally occupied by Seven. Picard assumed Chakotays vacant chair next to her, as Tuvok took his position by his station, commander Worf accessing the second panel by Harry.

'Report"

Her voice tight and crisp as she witnessed the attack on the two vessel through the viewport. Lucifer was dressed in full regalia. The cruel smile, distorting the beautiful childlike angelic features of his boyish face.

His laughter reverberated through the hull of both vessels, as he alternated with a brutal vengeance, the arc from him golden sword held high above his head, striking both vessels at random.

"Shields are down twenty percent and holding" Ambassador Spock, watched with a scientific indifference.

"We have minor damage to engineering and on deck 4" Harry Kim's brow fraught with worry, as his hands continued to work effortlessly across the panel.

"Captain, I recommend a combined strike" Captain Rikers voice rose, over the piercing sound of the red alert klaxon.

Janeway doubted it would have little effect, but she was damned if she wouldn't go down swinging "On my mark, captain. Tuvok, lock onto him"

"Phasers are locked onto to target, Captain"

"Captain?" Janeway spoke without turning around, Captain Riker responded immediately.

"Enterprise is locked on and ready"

"Fire at will" she barked firmly, the blue lights of the phasers struck their mark.

The entity of Lucifer stunned momentarily, as the dual impact struck him firmly on his breastplate. His aqua blue eyes turned into dark pools of dark, a golden cloud escaped his mouth, as he hissed into the dark expanse of space.

His quiet hiss reached to the form of Chakotay, who laid prone in a biobed on Enterprise, his eyes opened wildly and the computer began to beep loudly. His life signs reached critical heights, as the life forms within him grew in strength, the voice of their master beckoned to them.

Chakotays eyes were feverish, as the voices continued to assail his senses, his voice guttural and unintelligible, as he muttered softly under his breath. The sweat flowed freely from his brow, as the glow of a gold light surrounded his body, Dr. Crusher was thrown forcibly against the room, as she reached out to him.

His body dematerialized, as Dr. Crusher quickly regained her sense and contacted Captain Riker'

"Dr. Crusher to Captain Riker"

"Riker here doctor, go ahead"

"Commander Chakotay has vanished from sickbay. I'd say that angel has something to do with it"

'Understood Doctor" Riker shifted his head to Picard, who quickly accessed the panel by his side. Voyager shook violently again, as Lucifer renewed his attack with a vengeance, the being taking a distinct pleasure, in toying with the lower life forms.

"Sensors are detecting the Commanders life signs on deck 8" Picards voice cool and undetached.

"Janeway to security, Chakotays on his way to engineering make sure that you stop him, use force if you have too"

"Aye Captain understood" Ensigns Gaines voice responded crisply.

Janeway turned to Tuvok the concern etched on her face, detected only by her old friend "Send a second team down Commander"

"Understood" the Vulcan immediately commanded his second squad to engineering,

Lucifer stopped his attack and turned his head towards Voyagers viewport, his beautiful features soften and his aqua eyes shone brilliantly, the sparks of temporal lights snapped sharply within them.

He laughed hauntingly, his voice soft and lyrical "You will lose her again Kathryn and even Michael's master, won't be able to save her. She will join me in my realm, with your unborn child and I will revel their agony" the cruel smile returned.

"I'm not afraid of you and you'll have to take me along with her" her mind silently constructed a silent plea, a cry for help to an unseen entity.

The first glow of blue light appeared on the bridge, as the form of Michael materialized, his wings expanded to their full height, his weapon drawn and ready.

The second form appeared on the bridge, the third form materializing on the bridge of the Enterprise, a flurry of activity ensued, as the voice of Captain Riker boomed over the comm link and ordered his crew to stand down. 

The fourth began to materialize and the purple aura changed into the form of envoy Pooran. Her form was transparent and surreal, her wings expanded upward, the soft glow of the purple aura formed a glow against her snowy wings.

"You dare to bring her here Michael? Are you such a fool, that you believe her presence can stop me?" Lucifer hissed softly.

"Kathryn, you must go to her, she is in danger and we can not protect her" envoys Poorans voice was soft and lyrical to her ears.

Picard reached out to Kathryn and grasped her arm firmly, "Go ahead, Captain that's an order, we'll take it from here" his voice strong and reassuring.

Kathryn nodded to him silently, her eyes a vibrant blue, the look of relief conveyed.

"Understood Admiral, you have the comm" She rose immediately, Tuvok followed closely behind, as Ambassador Spock assumed his vacant position. He looked with a distinct interest at the continued battle between the two life forms.

"Your war is with me and not with Pooran. She is here simply to witness your defeat" Michael returned the taunt in kind.

"You are a fool Michael, I am immortal, you can't destroy me, you can only vanquish me, but you are too late my soldiers have gone after the Borg creature and they will kill both her and the child. I will take their souls with me and turn them into my servants"

Michael and Raphael moved in unison, Michael's form disappeared through the viewport, as the two Starfleet vessels became encased in glowing beams of aqua and green. Raphael and Gabriel's life force protected the vessels, from the battled in front of them.

The arcs of blue and gold lights lit the dark space around them. The bridge crew was stunned into a dead silence, as they witness the incredible battle before them. Their jaws fell wide open, as the two beings swords clashed and the violence of their energy exploded around them.

Chakotay ran wildly towards engineering his voice raw and pained, he saw the guards, as they came towards him and ran intentionally towards them. Crewman Boggs ordered him to stop, their phasers drawn, as Kathryn and Tuvok rounded the corner, her laser held tightly in her grip.

She heard Chakotays fanatical screams his imaged loomed a distant before them and covered in the shadows. As he neared he leaped towards the armed guards, their lasers cut like knives through the air, his form morphed into the jackal and a howl escaped his lips.

The jackal absorbed the lasers easily and the full impact of the beast body struck the security team on their chests. The force caused them to fall and land on the ground; their lasers scattered in front of them and out of reach.

Kathryn and Tuvok immediately fired upon the jackal; the eerie green glow of his eyes stunned them into silence, as the lasers passed through its form unaffected. The beast broke into a full run and entered engineering, the sound of laser fire broke out, as chaos ensued behind the closed doors.

Kathryn and Tuvok entered quickly and scanned the room in search of the beast. B'Elanna and Seven were pressed against the wall, as the jackal neared them. His lip was curled back and his teeth were bared, his jaws snapped opened and closed. His low growl rumbled deeply in his chest and he began to close the gap between them.

His eyes fierce and focused on the image of Seven, Kathryn and Tuvok were unable to fire on him, afraid that their phaser fire would pass through the beast and strike the two women instead.

As the beast neared Seven, it rose onto his hindquarters and morphed into the form of Chakotay. B'Elanna acted immediately and drove a blinding blow to his stomach, as Kathryn and Tuvok descended upon him immediately.

The three crewmembers fought violently in an effort to subdue him. It was B'Elannas blow that struck his jaw, the sound of breaking bone filled the air, as the Commander fell to the deck.

The life forms within him began their retreat, as the battle was lost, their transparent life forms joined into one complete entity. They hovered into the air, the multiple heads joined to one body, as they hissed and spat at Seven. Seven remained frozen against the wall, as Tuvok and B'Elanna struggled to stand.

The two quickly lost their footing and crashed back into the deck. Their bodies entangled with the commanders, as they valiantly attempted to stand. Kathryns rose effortlessly, her natural agility took over and she quickly moved towards Seven, as the multiple beings morphed into the image of a golden jackal, he open his jaws and spewed a golden arc of light.

Kathryn responded quickly, her body crossed in front of Sevens as the arc struck. She fell to the ground her mangled form laid twisted in front of Sevens feet, a loud wounded noise escaped and cut through the air in sheer agony, Seven knelt and held Kathryns lifeless form, to her bosom and began rocking her gently.

Willing her to return to her, B'Elanna and Tuvok crossed quickly to her. The image of envoy Pooran materialized and struck the golden beast with full force, as it screamed in agony and the multiple lifeforms escaped and dissipated into the air.

Michael lifted his sword, his vibrant temporal eyes filled with intensity and fire, the bolts of light arched and made them glow. He raised his wings to their full length of three meters, his face twisted with pain. In one graceful move his body flew and sailed uninhibited through the space.

His sword raised, as it arced with its glowing blue light, he struck the golden form of Lucifer, as the battle grew in intensity the force of the blow rocked the two ships violently. He whispered in a low breath, his voice taunted and teased Lucifer.

"Your war is of arrogance and because it is you will fail. You have lived an eternity and still you will not accept this. It is your own vanity that prevents you from seeing that and you have lost. Your army will fall under her feet and all that you have sought to destroy will be restored. We have won Carrier of light "And the Child Shall Lead Them""

Lucifer hissed a dark red cloud emitted into the dark span of space from his breath.

"The war is never over Michael, it just continues with different soldiers, do you think that your gift to the child will be enough to save her and her worlds? I am aware of what you have done Michael, you have given her the knowledge of the ancients, what will your master say when he learns of your deception? You will fall as I fell and I will revel in your disgrace"

"It matters not what will happen to me, I have grown weary of this eternity and welcome the end. I have given her the knowledge to destroy at will. Just as I have given her the knowledge to rebuild all that was lost. You have lost and you will never win, you are powerless against her"

"Do you know the price you will pay Michael, you will be hunted by your own kin, you are worst then me now, you are a pariah among us"

"I do not fear what will happen to me, in the end the price will be small"

He raised his head and screamed into the dark void. The voices of Raphael and Gabriel joined his primal call, the Carrier of Light held his hands to his ears and screamed out in agony, as the sword entered his side and pierced his heart.

His form disappeared into the darkness of space the crewmembers of both vessels releasing their own ears. The screams reverberated through their skulls and nearly shattered their teeth. The form of Michael disappeared into the darkness and re-materialized in engineering.

Michael crossed the span of the damaged engineering room, the bodies littered freely, his face was pained and tortured, as he felt the life forms escape. He walked to Janeway and scanned her mangled body, her face hung to the side. He screamed out in agony, his voice crossed the span of space.

Those that heard his scream called out in answer to his wounded call, as Seven clung to her possessively, Tuvok and B'Elanna unable to pry her from Kathryn's lifeless forms. The feisty Klingon wept openly, as she begged her friend to relinquish her hold on the captain.

"Please Seven, you have to let her go" her voice pained and constricted, as the sobs escaped openly.

"No, Noooo…. She can't leave me B'Elanna she can't" her voiced torn with agony, as she felt her heart shatter to a thousand pieces.

Michael turned to Pooran, his eyes a silent plea, she closed her eyes and nodded her response, as she indicated no.

"You must" he pleaded his voice raw with hurt and pain.

"I will not Michael, it must be this way" her own voice shattered and faltered. The images of Raphael and Gabriel appeared next to him and gazed upon the fallen figure, the tears rolled silently down their ageless features.

Seven turned her eyes towards Pooran, her features contorted with pain, the ice blue eyes lifeless and flat.

"Why won't you help her?" her voice a contorted tone of pain and anger.

Pooran stared at her compassionately unable to make the young creature understand.

"I am sorry it must be this way, she has given her life, so that your child may live. Take comfort in knowing that her love for you will never seize to exist, she is with me now and I will guide her into her next life"

Sevens shoulder shook violently, the pain cut through the very fiber of her soul, her heart felt ice cold and a chilling numbness consumed her body and soul.

The lifeforms began to dematerialize; their tears stained faces disappearing, as B'Elanna and Tuvok cautiously neared Seven. The Vulcan took control of the situation, as he gently pried the figure of Seven from Kathryn.

B'Elanna enfolded her in her embrace, as the young woman held her fiercely, her body shook violently, as the force of her sobs escaped her. Their tortured sound cut through the very heart of B'Elannas being, her own tears, stained the fabric of Sevens tunic.

The crew of Voyager was assembled in stunned silence, Admiral Picard and his senior staff present and in full dress. The silvery tube draped with the Federation flag, laid in stark contrast with the sullen mood, B'Elanna stood next to Seven, her arm slipped protectively through Sevens.

The young woman's face was blank and void of emotion, the last three days spent in stunned denial and endless tears, as the scene of Kathryn's death replayed mercilessly through her edict mind.

Picard cleared his throat, his voice low and pained.

"I have had the honor, of knowing Captain Kathryn Janeway, both as a colleague and as a friend. It is with deep sorrow that we are here today. It is with deep resignation and regret, that she would be unable to join us in the Alpha quadrant. Yet, it is in knowing that she sacrificed her own life and in the end, obtained her final goal in guiding Voyager and her crew safely home. That we must now take comfort, we commend her body to space, in hopes that she may reach that final frontier"

Picard nodded solemnly, as the mournful sounds of taps and Amazing grace played in the background. The honor guard removed the flag and folded it with precise movements into a triangular shape.

The crewman handed the flag to Seven and saluted, she reached out blindly and clasped it firmly, holding it tightly to her chest, as if the act alone would will Kathryn back to life. The tears silently fell down her graceful face, as the silvery capsule was released into space.

The stifled gasps of cries was heard throughout the room, her senior staff unable to still the pain in seeing their fallen commanders form slip silently away from Voyager. They quietly exited and left Seven and B'Elanna alone, Seven moved aimlessly to the window her breath caught in a painful rasp, as she watched the capsule disappear.

Until she could no longer see it and it left her sight, her shoulders shook violently, as a painful cry escaped her lips, B'Elannas own tears flowed freely, as she hugged her friend tightly and offered her what little comfort she could.

Pooran stood in the midst of the field bleached golden by the sun, she watched, as the formidable form of Kathryn Janeway neared. Her strides long and agile, her features smooth and ageless, the deep blue eyes were brilliant and vibrant, the flecks of gray barely detectable.

The envoy continued to watch, as the commanding figure, cut effortless through the tall reeds of wheat, her hair shone and captured the suns ray, a strong aura emanated from her being and engulfed her completely.

She was about to call out her, when she noticed her figure begin to fade Kathryns eyes looked upward, as the winged creature swooped down and encircled her in his embrace. His eyes a brilliant blue and the temporal lights danced within the brooding spheres, he rose upward with her in his arms, their forms disappearing into the bright sky.

Pooran raised her vision upward and watched, as their figures disappeared, a warm smile touched her lips. "Oh Michael what have you done?" she whispered quietly.

Two and a half weeks transpired, since the unexpected death of Voyagers captain. Admiral Picard resumed control and ordered both engineering teams, to retrofit the Enterprise with the slipstream drive. The crews worked eagerly in completing the project. The Delta quadrant now left them with a bitter taste in their mouth and they were eager to escape its claw.

Chakotay was restored to full health and eventually was instilled as its new captain. The weight of the four gold pips weighed heavily on his conscious, the price too large for him to pay, as the guilt rattled him without mercy.

On the second week of Kathryn's death, he found the courage to approach Seven, the worn painful lines etched deeply into his brooding face. To his surprise and great relief, the young woman showed the new captain an unexpected gift of compassion.

Her logical mind explained to the commander, he had little to do with Kathryn's death. The fault lied elsewhere, as she silently swore to exact her revenge some day. The last of the drive was completed and Seven examined the results of the diagnostic test carefully, her unborn child remained silent, since Kathryn's death and refused to move.

Concerned, Seven became a daily visitor to sickbay, the doctor unable to quell her fears of her unborn child's quietness. As much as he tried, he was unable to make Seven understand it was a natural state that occurred, just before giving birth.

The doubtful young Borg even engaged the services, of Dr. Crusher, to ensure Voyagers EMH was not mistaken, the soothing bedside manner of the gifted doctor, served well to ease the impending mothers concerns.

The silvery tube that carried Kathryn away appeared in the viewport, the image of Michael gently guided it towards Voyager. Chakotay snapped to attention and beamed the silvery coffin on board. Michael appeared next to its side, he stood next to the silvery tube and opened the front panel effortlessly.

Kathryn's form completely intact without degrading, he smiled warmly and silently thanked Gabriel, for following his orders after Kathryn's death. He reached in and gently lifted Kathryns lifeless body from the silvery grave. Her form lay limp in his arms and he cradled it gently to him, the warm blue light engulfed them both.

Kathryn felt the intense force of heat radiate through her entire being, as her breath broke in a harsh painful rush. She found herself waking into the vibrant temporal eyes of Michael, a soft angelic smile touched his lips, as he closed his eyes and his long black satin lashes brushed gracefully against Kathryn's face.

He held her in his arms and kissed her gently, she felt the powerful sensations of his life form, run through her, as she smiled warmly against his lips.

Seven rushed into the transporter room and gazed, into the loving vibrant blue eyes of her wife filled with life. She rushed into her arms and held her tightly, Kathryn barely able to enfold her form, heavy with child into her embrace. Kathryn felt, as their daughter kicked her gently in protest, as Seven broke into a pitiful cry and reveled in the wonder of two beings that meant more to her than life itself.

Her tear stained face rose as she locked eyes with the beautiful face of Michael and whispered a breathless "Thank you"

Michael bowed his head elegantly and his form began to slowly dematerialize, as he warmed in the glow of the love between, the two lovely creatures he came to love so dearly. The heart beat of their child rung loudly in his ears, as he heard its soft little voice gurgle happily in his ears.

Seven refused to release Kathryn, as she tried without great success to wipe at the tears that trailed down the side of her face. Chakotays blinked and covered his eyes discretely, wiping away his own tears unnoticed. Tuvok swallowed deeply, as an anxious expression crossed his stoic face, he was the first to find his voice.

"Welcome back Captain, it's good to see you again, old friend" his voice filled with as much compassion a Vulcan could display. His dark brown eyes warm and soft against the gentle light.

Chakotay swallowed deeply and attempted to clear the lump in his throat, the lump stubbornly refused to give way and he found his voice cracking as he spoke softly.

"It's sure good to see you again Kathryn" the tears welled in his eyes and threatened to overflow.

Kathryn managed to release herself from Seven and threw her arms around her first officer and hugged him tightly, her own voice raw with emotion.

"It's good to see you too Chakotay and I expect you to return my pips" her eyes glistened with mirth.

The Commander bowed his head, his own eyes shined with love, at seeing the return of his friend. "I wouldn't have it any other way" his tone light and airy.

Kathryn found herself swept, into the powerful embrace of her chief engineer, B'Elanna not caring that her tears fell easily from her eyes. She lifted her slightly off the ground, before setting her back down again quite ungracefully, Kathryn took the moment to recapture her breath.

"It's good to see you too, B'Elanna, it's good to be home" her eyes returned to the face of her wife, as she locked onto the ice blue eyes possessively.

"Kahless Captain, Starfleet is bound to make you and Admiral now. Who else could kick Satan's ass twice and still live to tell about"

B'Elannas colorful statement brought an easy and relieved laughter into the room, as each member embraced warmly and exited in the direction to the bridge, Seven hung possessively to Kathryns hand and refused to let go, as they walked together side by side.

They exited the turbolift and Kathryn crossed the span of the bridge, as her crew stood up to attention, the wet moisture evident in every pair of eye.

"Captain on the bridge" Toms voice boomed loudly, as each member stood to attention and saluted her. "Welcome back captain" his boyish grin plastered across his handsome face.

'"Good to be back Tom, Harry, Ensign Nicoletti" Kathryn acknowledged every member of her bridge crew, before Harry's voice broke in.

"Captain, we're being hailed by Admiral Picard"

"On screen Harry"

The viewport changed to reveal the enigmatic face of Admiral Jean Luc Picard. His features stiffened, as he beheld the sight of the formidable captain he buried two and half weeks ago.

"Glad to have you back captain. I can see it's hard to keep the good ones down" If Picard was in the least bit surprise as to Kathryns return he masked it well.

"Glad to be back Admiral, and you're right they'd have a devil of a time trying to keep me down" Janeways eyes twinkled brightly, a smug smile touched her lips.

"I'm sure your staff has brought you up to speed, Captain. Voyager will be engaging their slipstream drive first and will be following, we'll meet you on the other side Captain, back home"

"I'm looking forward to it Admiral, Janeway out" the viewport screen returned to its view of the glimmering stars, as Janeway scanned the bridge.

"Well people this is it. Harry open a ship wide comm link"

"Aye Captain, opening a link" the young ensign smiled warmly at his commanding officer.

"Crew of Voyager, this is Captain Kathryn Janeway speaking. In a few minutes we'll be leaving the Delta quadrant and returning home. It's good to be back, but it will be better to be back home. Janeway out"

Kathryn walked to her conn chair and sat down, her elegant legs crossed automatically in front of her. Ensign Nicoletti handed her a cup of coffee before she returned to her station. Kathryn smiled at her in deep appreciation and nodded her head.

"Thank You Ensign, you're a godsend"

"So are you captain" the young women smiled at her warmly.

Kathryn turned to Seven and smiled lovingly at her, before she turned her vision to the front of the bridge, with deep pride and little trepidation she barked out her next order'

"Mr. Paris, bring us out of warp"

"Aye Captain, disengaging warp drive"

"Seven, engage slipstream drive, on my mark"

"Aye captain, engaging slipstream drive" her voice dripped with evident pride, as she admired and watched the beautiful profile of her wife.

"Mark" Voyager shuttered slightly against the sudden thrust that propelled it silently through space. The portal opened before them, its eerie spectrum luminescent against the dark enfolding space.

Report" Janeway

"Shield are holding at 99.9 percent" Sevens eyes gleamed, as she lifted her head from her panel and gazed lovingly into her wife's eyes.

"Ten seconds to our mark. All systems functional and holding" Tuvok continued to scan his terminal.

"Get ready to disengage slipstream on my mark. Harry count it down"

"Counting down, five, four, three, two one"

"Disengage slipstream"

"Slipstream disengaged" Harry's voice rose higher.

"Mr. Paris bring us about"

Harry was the first to shout out his glee, the big blue marble on the viewscreen the most delectable sight he ever beheld.

"We're home Captain, We're back home" he hugged Nicoletti tightly, Tom Paris let out a loud whoop, as the rest of the crew of Voyager broke into applause, cheers and tears.

B'Elannas voice boomed over the comm link '"You did it Borg, you finally got it right" Seven smiled broadly, her eyes locked onto Kathryns and they shared a warm look between them.

Chakotay stood and hugged Kathryn fiercely to him and forced the air from her lungs to expel.

"I believe those are my pips you're wearing commander" Kathryn jutted her chin out to Chakotay defiantly.

"Yes ma'am, anything you say"

Chakotay gladly removed the four gold pips from his collar and handed them to Kathryn. Seven crossed the span of the bridge and proceeded to assist her wife, in replacing the pips properly. Kathryn held onto to her wife closely, when she felt their child kick her playfully.

A rueful smile touched her face, as she looked at Sevens extended belly in awe.

"We're finally home and you my little one will be born on earth, just like your mother" her faced glowed with sheer happiness, as the euphoria continued to spread.

B'Elanna entered the bridge and was greeted romantically by Tom Paris, who swept her into his arms and kissed her deeply. For the first time in their tumultuous relationship the feisty Klingon was at a loss for words.

As Tom positioned himself on bended knee and proposed, B'Elanna was finally roused from her shock, when she was elbowed by Seven and ordered to reply.

The silvery form of the USS Enterprise appeared on their right port a few seconds later. The cheers' erupted louder as the two ships stood side by side and glistened majestically against the dark space.

Admiral Picard and Captain Janeway exchanged congratulatory words and were then ordered to beam down to earth, with their senior staff for debriefing by Admiral Nechayev.

Seven was due to join Kathryn at a later time due to her advance pregnancy she was forced to arrive via shuttle. Tom offered to pilot the shuttle and B'Elanna offered to accompany Seven, much to the young Borgs relief.

The three entered the shuttle as B'Elanna grunted and complained over the ridiculous amount of luggage Seven insisted on taking.

"Kahless Seven, is there anything you forgot to bring with you? Are you sure there isn't a Borg alcove you may have forgotten? and for the love of Kahless, can you tell me why you need to bring this along?"

B'Elanna pointed to a brown paper wrapped package, the shape and size indicative of a painting

"This is a painting right? Oh wait I know, you intend to enlighten Admiral Nechayev on your debriefing by showing her a painting of the slipstream drive, am I right?" B'Elanna spat out sarcastically.

"No" Seven replied tersely as she pointed to B'Elanna as to where she should place the painting.

"Be careful you clumsy Klingon and be sure you do not damage it"

B'Elanna stared at Seven menacingly, as Seven ignored her idle threat and pointed demandingly as to were B'Elanna should store the painting. B'Elanna muttered a rash of Klingon expletives under her breath, as she begrudgingly followed her commands.

"It is a painting of Kathryn and our daughter and I wish to place it in our new home in San Francisco" B'Elanna stopped in mid stride and spun around.

"Do tell me, what on earth does any of the stuff have to with a debriefing? You do realize you dumb Borg, that we are an advance civilization? Foreign as it may seem to you Borg, we do have crews who handle these matters quite efficiently"

"Yes, I am well aware of that, however they may be manned by clumsy Klingons and I would much rather not leave it in their inept care" Seven stared at her quite matter of factually.

"That's it" B'Elanna dropped the two heavy containers and headed towards Seven menacingly determined to throttle her.

Tom jumped in the middle and promptly prevented B'Elanna from nearing any closer. Seven stared at her feisty friend with mild amusement, a smug smile plastered on her face.

"I don't care if she is pregnant I'm going to throttle her and wipe that smug smile off her face" Sevens rich throaty laughter filled the air, as Tom chuckled, B'Elanna turned on him immediately.

"I may not be able to throttle her, but if you don't wipe that shitty grin from your face, you'll rue the day you were born Tom Paris" Tom swallowed deeply and immediately turned serious, B'Elannas threat making its point.

Tom immediately began to back pedal and changed his tactics to serve in his best interest.

"Come on Lanna if we don't hurry up and push off we'll be late and this radiation storm isn't helping the situation either"

His baby blue eyes softened into two large saucers, B'Elanna was unable to resist as she begrudgingly relinquished to his plea.

"Well all right, but if you think I'm going to help you unload this junk you have another thing coming you pompous Borg. You can get Janeway to help you"

The three settled into their seats as the shuttle bay doors opened and Tom skillfully piloted the shuttle towards the beautiful sight of home. A slight tear threatened to fall, as he watched the image of the most beautiful blue and green sphere grow larger.

The shuttle was half way to reaching its destination when Seven suddenly rose her head from her console. A look of pain and mild shock crossed her graceful features. B'Elanna who had been casually glancing her way noticed the change in her friend's features.

"What?" B'Elanna asked questionably

Sevens face flexed again, as she turned her vision to the deck below her. "I believe I am experiencing labor pains" she added with a touch of fear to her voice.

"What? You can't do that and what the hell is that mess on the floor?" B'Elanna stared in complete horror at the puddle of water by Sevens feet. She began to pant and her olive dark complexion paled considerably.

"I believe my water just broke?" Seven responded in shock and awe.

"Huh, you can't have that baby here, Tom get up and stop her" B'Elanna slowly reached a higher level of panic.

"Torres to Voyager, we have a medical emergency here, Sevens about to give birth send the doc over"

Ensign Nicoletti's voice came over the comm link

"Sorry Lt., but Starfleets in the middle of downloading his database to their main computers. The doc is off line, should I contact the Captain and let her know?"

"Of course you fool and see if she can beam on board"

"I don't think she'll be able to do that Lt., all of the transporters are being affected by this storm"

B'Elanna outwardly groaned "Great just great, Kahless if it wasn't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all"

Seven folded over in pain, as the next contraction struck her a cry of discomfort escaped her lips. Tom Paris engaged the auto pilot system and quickly rushed over, to assist Seven, who was now lying on the floor, as B'Elanna paced wildly around her. The Klingon in a quandary as to what to do, her initial thought of beaming out, circumvented due to the radiation storm.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Seven sat in the field bleached golden by the sun, Ariane nestled quietly in her arms. The child was now seven months old and filled with energy, her personality and strong willed independence emerging, as each month passed. Kathryn and Phoebe sat on the balcony of their mothers home, the family gathered for an old fashion reunion with Kathryn's former Voyager crew. The approaching figures of B'Elanna and Tom came into view. As Kathryn rose and met them halfway, they greeted warmly and headed towards the field were Seven sat with Ariane.

Tom was anxious to see his goddaughter and walked ahead of the two women. The two women walked leisurely arm in arm and updated each other on the unfolding events, of the past seven months. B'Elanna was promoted to Lt. Commander and Tom took a position, as the Captain of the Orion one of the first starships built with the new slipstream technology, that Seven and B'Elanna managed to perfect in the months that followed, their return to the Alpha quadrant.

Tom called out to Seven and she gracefully turned and shaded her eyes from the sun. A warm smile touched her lip, as she recognized the approaching form of Tom Paris. Tom reached her and took his goddaughter from her arms, the child gurgled happily and grabbed forcefully onto his chin, e assisted Seven to her feet, as she stared proudly at her daughter, her vision spied the four pips on his collar.

"Tom Paris, you have been promoted to captain, why did you not tell us sooner?"

"Oh it was nothing really" he grinned from ear to ear, when Seven reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

"Congratulations" she offered a warm glow evident on her face, as she beamed proudly for her friend.

Kathryn and B'Elanna approached them, as Ariane attempted to leap out of Tom's arms and into Kathryns. Kathryn reached out and took Ariane from his arms and the child playfully reached for her nose, as Kathryn pretended to nip at her chubby hands.

B'Elanna and Seven hugged affectionately, as Tom and Kathryn looked on, Ariane gurgled in protest and lounged towards the clenched women, falling quickly into B'Elannas arms.

"Look at you, you little targ you've grown huge" Ariane swiped playfully at B'Elannas nose, as the four friends turned and headed back towards the house.